Flora fire chief resigns

Flora Fire Chief Adam Randle has resigned. The announcement was made at a regularly scheduled Flora Fire department meeting.

Posted: Nov 15, 2017 9:31 AM

Updated: Nov 15, 2017 6:39 PM

Posted By: Kiyerra Lake

FLORA, Ind. (WLFI/WTTV) — The Flora Fire Department chief has resigned. Chief Adam Randle stepped down just one week shy of the one-year anniversary of the Flora house fire that killed four sisters.

Chief Randle made his resignation official on Tuesday. According to our new gathering partners in Indianapolis, the resignation is effective immediately. The announcement was made at a regularly scheduled Flora Fire Department meeting.

Indiana State Police released this statement in response to Randle's resignation. The department said, "Regardless of who the prosecutor or fire chief may be, the Indiana State Police will continue following all leads related to the Flora fire and Delphi investigations."

Adam Randle is not the first investigator assigned to the Flora case to recently resign.

Adam Randle's father, Dennis Randle was the fire investigator for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. He was in charge of the Flora investigation when he resigned back in June.

Around 6:30 p.m., Adam Randle sent this statement to WLFI:

"In light of the negative press and public attention I felt it was best to release a statement regarding my resignation. My resignation as the Fire Chief and as a member of the Flora Fire Department was a personal decision. At this time, my attention needs to be focused on my family and their needs. It is my hope that it is understood that this was a very difficult decision to make. I hope to have the opportunity to once more serve the community that has stood behind and supported Public Safety. It is unfortunate that our small community has endured several tragic events in a short time span. Firefighting and EMS are a profession I care deeply about. I have sacrificed and dedicated countless hours and missed numerous events in the lives of my children.. I believe it is time for me to dedicate myself more to them. The Flora community and Flora Fire Department are still in great and capable hands with my departure. The Flora arson investigation has, and always will, weigh heavily on myself and all other First Responders that dealt with the traumatic scene that night. The investigation is not at all a factor in my decision to resign. It is my hope that one day this case will be solved and justice be served. The Indiana State Police and Indiana State Fire Marshals have an opportunity and obligation to work together to find justice for the family and all first responders involved in the tragic event.

Respectfully,

Adam RandleFlora Fire Chief"

Last week, News 18 reported Carroll County prosecutor Rob Ives is retiring at the end of this year. He still had a year left in his term.

Investigators have said that they believe the Flora house fire was intentionally set. There have been no arrests made in the case. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the ISP Arson Hotline at 800-382-4628.

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